In Washington, D.C., all city traffic crash reports are filed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Form PD-10. Involved parties can obtain a copy free in person at the MPD Public Documents Section or download it online for ~$5 to $10 through LexisNexis BuyCrash within 5 to 7 business days of the collision.
Washington DC Crash Report Quick Reference
| Investigating Agency | Where Crash Occurred | Cost | Portal / Office Address | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPD (Online via BuyCrash) | All DC streets, I-395, I-295, I-695 | ~$10 | policereports.lexisnexis.com | 5–7 business days |
| MPD Public Documents (In Person) | All DC streets, I-395, I-295, I-695 | Free (Involved Party) | 441 4th St. NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001 | 3–5 business days |
| U.S. Park Police (USPP) | Rock Creek Pkwy, Clara Barton, National Mall | Free (FOIA/Walk-in) | 1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20242 | 10–14 business days |
| U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) | Capitol Complex streets | Free | 119 D St. NE, Washington, DC 20510 | 7–10 business days |
Step 1: Confirm Which DC Agency Investigated Your Crash
While MPD handles 90% of Washington, D.C. crashes (including I-295, DC-295, and I-395 inside the District), federal parkways and monument grounds are patrolled by federal police:
- MPD (Form PD-10): Order online at policereports.lexisnexis.com using your 6-digit CCN (Central Complaint Number), or pick it up free in person with photo ID at the MPD Public Documents Section, 441 4th St. NW (One Judiciary Square), Room 550 South (Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Phone: 202-727-4357).
- U.S. Park Police: If your crash occurred on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Suitland Parkway, Baltimore-Washington Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, or around the National Mall/Tidal Basin, the United States Park Police holds the report, not MPD.
Step 2: Why the DC PD-10 Report Is Critical (Contributory Negligence Warning)
Washington, D.C. has some of the strictest and most unusual fault laws in the United States:
- Pure Contributory Negligence for Motorists: Along with Maryland and Virginia, D.C. is one of the last jurisdictions in America that applies Pure Contributory Negligence to motor vehicle drivers. If the contributing factors or narrative on your MPD Form PD-10 allow the other driver's insurance company to prove you were even 1% at fault for the crash, you can be 100% barred from recovering compensation from the other driver.
- Exception for Pedestrians, Cyclists & Scooter Riders (D.C. Code § 50-2204.52): Under D.C.'s Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act, vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, e-scooter riders) are protected by a 50% Modified Comparative Negligence rule instead of the harsh 1% contributory negligence bar.
- Strict 60-Day PIP Election Trap (D.C. Code § 31-2405): In D.C., if you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical coverage on your own policy, you have 60 days to decide whether to make a PIP claim. Warning: Under D.C. law, if you elect to take PIP benefits from your own insurer, you generally waive your right to file a third-party injury claim against the at-fault driver unless your injuries cause permanent scarring/disfigurement, medically demonstrable impairment lasting >180 days, or medical bills exceeding your PIP limit. Never file a D.C. PIP election without checking the PD-10 fault determination first!
Facing D.C.'s 1% contributory negligence rule or the 60-day PIP election waiver? Have a Washington, D.C. accident lawyer review your PD-10 report free at submitaccident.report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington, D.C. require me to file a separate DMV crash report?
No. Under D.C. Official Code, the DC DMV no longer requires drivers to submit a separate civilian accident report form—simply report the collision to MPD at the scene and notify your insurance company.
How do I request DC DDOT traffic camera footage of my crash?
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and MPD CCTV cameras overwrite video within 7 to 10 days. Submit an urgent DC FOIA request using your 6-digit CCN and exact intersection timestamp immediately.